Vehicle Class:
Subcompact car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, young drivers
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, engaging handling, affordable pricing
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (type and operation), Automatic transmission (type, operation, and hydraulic control), clutch system
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints
Suspension Systems:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear suspension (torsion beam, shock absorbers)
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) if equipped, parking brake
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, roof, bumpers
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation and service
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), seat belts
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt replacement, spark plug service
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting Guidelines:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (OBD-II)
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code:
SOHC 2.0L I4 (Code: Chrysler 2.0 SOHC, often referred to as the '1600' engine for its displacement)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.0 mm
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Spark Plug Type:
Champion RC12LYC or equivalent
Spark Plug Gap:
0.040 inches (1.02 mm)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 year/100,000 mile formula (Green color)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent specified by manufacturer)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) for a drain and fill
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Length Coupe:
168.8 inches (4288 mm)
Length Sedan:
172.0 inches (4369 mm)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height Coupe:
53.1 inches (1349 mm)
Height Sedan:
54.4 inches (1382 mm)
Front Track:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Rear Track:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approximately 2580 lbs (1170 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approximately 2650 lbs (1202 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 3650 lbs (1656 kg)
Payload Capacity:
Approximately 1000 lbs (454 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not recommended or specified
Trunk Volume Sedan:
13.0 cu ft (0.368 m³)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
11.3 cu ft (0.320 m³)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 stars (1999)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 stars (1999)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts in front and rear outboard positions, center lap belt in rear
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard on this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (if equipped)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Common Problem 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or crankshaft seals
Common Problem 2:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends)
Common Problem 3:
Transmission issues, particularly with automatic transmissions (e.g., slipping, harsh shifting)
Common Problem 4:
Cooling system leaks (hose failures, radiator issues)
Common Problem 5:
Ignition coil failure
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (Dodge division)
Generation:
Second Generation Dodge Neon (1995-2005, with major redesign in 1995)
Year Of Introduction:
1994 (for the 1995 model year)
Production Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years For Platform:
1995-2005